How to say happy birthday in Persian (Farsi)
تولدت مبارک
Say it like this: ta-val-LO-det mo-BAA-rak
To say happy birthday in Persian, you say "تولدت مبارک" (tavalodet mobarak). Persian is spoken in Iran, and close forms of it are spoken in Afghanistan (Dari) and Tajikistan (Tajik). Persian is written from right to left. Here is how to say it, other kind ways to wish someone well, and the song people sing.
"Tavalod" means birth, and the "-et" on the end means "your". "Mobarak" means blessed or happy. So it means "may your birthday be blessed".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Persian (Farsi)
- تولد مبارک (tavalod mobarak)Say it like this: ta-va-LOD mo-BAA-rakMeans "happy birthday" without the "your". Short and simple, good for cards and posts.
- تولدتان مبارک (tavalodetan mobarak)Say it like this: ta-va-lo-de-TAAN mo-BAA-rakThe polite form. Use it for an older person, a teacher or a boss.
- تولدت مبارک عزیزم (tavalodet mobarak azizam)Say it like this: ta-val-LO-det mo-BAA-rak a-ZEE-zamAdds "my dear". Lovely for family, a partner or a close friend.
- صد سال به این سالها (sad sal be in sal-ha)Say it like this: SAD SAAL beh in saal-HAAMeans "a hundred more years like this one". A very common, warm wish to add after the greeting.
- زادروزت خجسته باد (zadruzat khojaste bad)Say it like this: zaad-roo-ZAT kho-jas-TEH baadA grand, old-style way to say it. Nice in a formal card or a poem.
The Happy Birthday song in Persian (Farsi)
تولدت مبارک،
تولدت مبارک،
تولدت مبارک [name]،
تولدت مبارک.
Some people sing these words to the usual Happy Birthday tune. But at most Iranian parties you will hear a different, much loved song called "Tavalod Tavalod", composed by Anoushirvan Rohani. Its chorus also says "tavalodet mobarak".
Birthday customs
- In Iran, the main calendar is the Solar Hijri (Persian) calendar. Many people know their birthday by this calendar as well as the Western one.
- In Iran, a birthday party usually has a cake with candles, and everyone joins in with the song "Tavalod Tavalod" while the candles are blown out.
- In Iran, people often add a wish for a long life, such as "a hundred more years like this one".
A quick tip
Persian letters join up and are read from right to left. If you copy the greeting, copy it whole so the letters stay joined. The little "-et" sound in "tavalodet" makes it personal, so it is perfect when you speak to one person.
Questions people ask
Is Farsi the same as Persian?
Yes. Farsi is the name of the language in Persian itself. In English, both names are used.
How do you say happy birthday in Dari?
Dari is a form of Persian spoken in Afghanistan. "تولدت مبارک" is used there too and will be understood.
What do you say back?
Say "مرسی" (mersi) or "ممنون" (mamnoon). Both mean thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Persian (Farsi)
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Persian (Farsi): a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.